The Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa has reportedly lost 10-15 pounds during the offseason, according to his head coach who described him as “svelte.” Photos shared by Jenna Lemoncelli of the New York Post show that he has become noticeably thinner. Despite being officially listed at six-one, 227 pounds, the images suggest that he may be close to dipping under 200 pounds.
In football, there is a delicate balance between a quarterback’s size and speed. While smaller players can be more agile and quick on their feet, larger players have natural body armor that provides extra protection from hits. This protection is crucial in a sport where bodies are constantly colliding and reacting to opposing forces.
The reduction in weight of Tagovailoa could increase his risk of injury on the field, as evidenced by the concussion he suffered in a game against the Bengals last year. Although he managed to play through a full season and one playoff game while being larger than he is now, maintaining or adjusting his weight will have implications both on and off the field for Tagovailoa and the Dolphins.
Ultimately, Tagovailoa may need to put some weight back on before training camp to ensure that he is physically prepared for the upcoming season and deserving of a long-term contract extension from team owner Stephen Ross.
